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For frequent formers: What is your sign to go to the ER?

Stone Fighter #761060May 13, 2026👁️ 1.3k❤️ 156

Strategy: Patient journey

I pass about a stone a year, and one of my biggest anxieties is often less about the pain, and more about deciding whether or not to go to the ER or just wait it out. For the frequent formers out there, what's your routine when you start to feel another stone beginning it's descent? I've had on and off pain for the past week, I definitely know it's a stone, and debating whether or not I should go to the ER or wait it out and just try to manage the pain the best I can...

Comments (30)

Stone Fighter #C514EEApr 20, 2026

I avoid at all costs, my urologist gave me everything to manage at home. If I have a fever I’m going. Else I manage and call urologist (I have multiple stones yearly).

Stone Fighter #D39453Apr 20, 2026

If I were to go to my urologist, what should I ask him to prescribe me so that I have what I need to manage at home? What do you use to manage? I have Keterolac and Tamsulosin. Keterolac seems to be the only pain meds that work for me.

Stone Fighter #C514EEApr 20, 2026

Toradol and Zofran to start. Possibly flomax.

Stone Fighter #2EEB2FApr 20, 2026

I’ll add an anti-nausea / vomiting medication to that list, because there are times when I can’t keep the pain medication down before the intermittent vomiting hits also to answer your question OP, it’s usually the above for me, I will go to the ER if I can’t keep pain medication down. I also try to avoid at all costs, despite having health insurance. I don’t know if I’m traumatized from not having health insurance for most of my adult life, (restaurant industry) if it’s just the whole exper...

Stone Fighter #666C70Apr 20, 2026

Tamsulosin is Flomax

Stone Fighter #B1DB2BApr 20, 2026

Lately I seem to get 2 a year that land me in the ER. But for me I don’t see it coming. I’m fine and then all the sudden I start with a dull ache. After about 15 minutes it’s more of a stabbing. 6/10 category. I try and deal. The last time I was playing my game with my friends and I said, if this doesn’t go away I’m probably going to the ER soon. 20 minutes after that the pain was so bad I decided it was time to go. From start 0/10 to 10/10 it takes about an hour before I’m crying/throwing up...

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